- Ecologistas en Acción awards 48 “black flags” to problematic Spanish beaches, including six in the Valencian Community.
- alicante province receives two black flags impacting three key tourist beaches: Levante Beach (Benidorm), Cala Mosca (Orihuela), and Cala Ferris (Torrevieja).
- Levante Beach flagged for severe pollution linked to improper sewage management and lack of preventative measures.
- Both Cala Mosca and Cala Ferris face threats from increasing urban development driven by new coastal protection laws.
- The findings underline the urgent need for better coastal infrastructure and sustainable urban planning to protect vulnerable beach ecosystems.
Ecologistas en Acción flags Key Alicante Beaches Over Environmental Concerns
Every year, Ecologistas en Acción, a prominent environmental institution in Spain, releases a report highlighting the critical environmental issues affecting the country’s coastline. In 2025, the report has assigned a total of 48 black flags to beaches across Spain, with six of them located in the Valencian Community. Among these, two black flags have drawn attention to three of Alicante’s most famous tourist beach spots: Levante Beach in Benidorm and the coves Cala Mosca in Orihuela and Cala Ferris in torrevieja.
Why Did Levante Beach Receive a Black Flag?
Levante Beach, one of Alicante’s busiest tourist destinations, has been flagged primarily due to high levels of pollution related to sewage management failures. According to Ecologistas en Acción, inadequate investments in critical infrastructure and the mounting pressure from rapid urban development have led to emergency measures to prevent further damage to wastewater treatment plants.
as a outcome, authorities have reportedly allowed controlled discharges of fecal matter directly into a nearby natural park and into waters close to the beach without prior public warnings or transparent post-discharge water quality reports. This not only increases health risks for visitors but also causes significant environmental harm to important natural areas, setting a worrying precedent for similar emissions in the future.
The Growing Threat to Cala Mosca and Cala ferris
In addition to Levante, two coastal coves in the Alicante province-Cala Mosca and Cala Ferris-have been criticized for poor environmental management heavily influenced by intense urban pressure.
- Cala Mosca (Orihuela): This cove faces sustainability challenges linked to unchecked development near the shore.
- Cala Ferris (Torrevieja): Similarly affected by the increasing coastal urban sprawl, which threatens its natural landscape.
The recently approved Law for coastal Protection and Regulation allows construction as close as 100 meters to the shoreline. Environmentalists warn this opens the door to increased and perhaps damaging urban expansion in sensitive coastal areas.
Environmental and Tourism Implications
The black flags serve as a warning about the fragile state of Alicante’s coastal ecosystems. Key takeaways include:
- Public Health Risks: Pollution from untreated or poorly treated wastewater poses risks to beachgoers.
- Environmental Degradation: Natural parks and marine ecosystems adjacent to these beaches are suffering damage.
- Urban Pressure: Tourist-driven urbanization strains infrastructure and jeopardizes beach quality and natural habitats.
- need for Sustainable Solutions: Calls for urgent investment in modern wastewater treatment and stricter urban planning regulations.
Table: Alicante Beaches with Black Flags - Key Issues at a Glance
| Beach | Location | Main Environmental Issue | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levante Beach | Benidorm | sewage contamination, lack of warnings | Pollution, health risks, ecosystem harm |
| Cala Mosca | Orihuela | Urban pressure, coastal construction | Habitat loss, environmental degradation |
| Cala Ferris | Torrevieja | Uncontrolled development near coast | Landscape alteration, ecosystem stress |
Moving Forward: Protecting Alicante’s Coastal Treasures
With Alicante’s reputation as a top tourist destination, maintaining healthy and clean beaches is vital for both environmental sustainability and the local economy. Experts and environmentalists emphasize the need for:
- Timely Infrastructure Investments: Upgrading and properly maintaining wastewater treatment facilities to prevent pollution.
- Transparent Monitoring: Regular reporting on water quality and early warnings to safeguard public health.
- Balanced Urban Development: Enforcing sustainable planning rules that preserve natural surroundings while allowing economic growth.
- Community engagement: Involving local residents and tourist stakeholders in conservation efforts.
Ultimately, without decisive action, Alicante risks further environmental degradation that could undermine its beaches’ appeal and its broader identity as a coastal jewel.
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Credits and sources:
- Ecologistas en Acción report, as covered by Las Provincias